Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer's original concern by operating the steering system while driving to duplicate the condition.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply:

Mechanical
Tire pressure, loose wheels.
Loose tie rod ends, inner ball joints.
Loose suspension retainers.
Loose universal joints.
Loose connecting bolts on column intermediate shaft.
Loose steering gear assembly.
Improper drive belt tension.
Binding or misaligned steering column.
Power steering pump, fluid level, hose leak or line restrictions.

Electrical
Open RUN fuse.
Circuitry, connections open, grounding or shorting.
Steering wheel rotation sensor.
Vehicle speed sensor.
Power steering pump actuator valve.
VAPS control module.
VAPS test connector.

3. If the concerns remain after the inspection, determine the symptoms and go to the Symptom Charts. Diagnosis by Symptom